Cathy Reid is a distinguished figure in the brass music community, particularly known for her expertise with the Flugel Horn and other brass band instruments. With a lifetime of teaching instrumental music and theory Cathy has made significant contributions to the field, including her work with the Queensland Music Teachers Association, the Queensland Band Association, the Queensland College of Teachers and receiving the prodigious National Band Council of Australia Medal for her services to community banding. Cathy received the Griffith University Academic Medal for her Diploma of Secondary Teaching and was awarded a TMusA in high brass from the Australian Music Examination Board.

Cathy has demonstrated her competency as a Flugel Horn player with numerous Australian Bands including the Brisbane Excelsior, Windsor Brass, NSW Youth Band, Sutherland Shire Brass and Sunnybank Brass bands, performing many solos and winning numerous regional and State solo titles in both NSW and Queensland. Drawing on her brief experience with the 2nd Military District Army Band in Sydney Cathy has drum majored for Brisbane Excelsior and Windsor Brass at numerous contest and parades. Cathy has also toured Hong Kong and Shanghai performing in marching parades and concerts.

However, it is the fostering of youth brass development that has been the key passion for Cathy. Having established and directed a wide variety of developer bands and workshops including Pan Pacific Music Camps Sydney, Dunwich State School junior Wind Band, Saint James Coorparoo Youth Orchestra and Choir, Windsor Academy Junior Brass (XLCR), Sunnybank annual Youth Brass Band Workshops, Roberston Annual Brass and Percussion Eisteddfod, Sunnybank Brass No2 Band, later expanding to Sunnybank No.3 and Beginner Bands and currently Lutwyche Excelsior Band.

Cathy has also directed several annual Brisbane Youth Brass & Percussion Workshops and Solo and Party Eisteddfod, showcasing her commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians.

Lutwyche Excelsior Band represents the newest chapter in the Brisbane Excelsior organisation’s commitment to fostering brass band excellence throughout Queensland. Established in 2024, this D Grade ensemble was founded with the dual mission of advancing player development and expanding community brass band participation across Brisbane.

As the organisation’s third ensemble, Lutwyche Excelsior provides an essential pathway for emerging musicians and those seeking to develop their brass band skills in a supportive and nurturing environment. The band serves as a vital bridge between individual musical growth and competitive ensemble performance, offering players the opportunity to build confidence and technical proficiency within the established Excelsior tradition of excellence.

Lutwyche Excelsior’s formation reflects the organisation’s ongoing dedication to strengthening Brisbane’s brass band community. By creating accessible opportunities for musicians at all stages of their development, the band contributes to the long-term sustainability and growth of brass banding throughout the region.

The ensemble embodies the core Excelsior values of musical excellence, community engagement, and inclusive participation, ensuring that the rich tradition of brass band music continues to flourish for future generations of Queensland musicians.